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Benjamin Solah

June 5, 2013

Meeting the Regulars: Pipe Up Poetry Slam

Words by Hannah Monagle

Held just out of Melbourne in country Victoria ‘Pipe up Poetry’ is a youngster on the scene holding its 3rd slam this August. The unique poetry slam is held in the rural arts hub ‘Stockroom’ on Pipers street, becoming fast one of the busiest cultural precincts in Victoria.

The brainchild of a student (Sam Hassel) and teacher (Hannah Monagle) friendship the slam aims to bring ‘slam poetry’ to an audience that might not have been exposed to it before. Meeting at the local Braemar college the two shared a passion and enthusiasm for slam poetry as a drive to get the youth of Macedon Ranges exposed to the genre. The two approached ‘Stockroom’ owners Jason and Magali whose enthusiasm was instrumental to making the slams happen. Passionate about bringing the arts to Kyneton, Stockroom has provided the perfect surroundings and partnership for ‘Pipe up Poetry Slam’.

Whilst locals are slowly starting to embrace the notion of ‘slam’ the night also attracts regulars from the Melbourne scene as well. Only an hour out of Melbourne the slam provides an intimate atmosphere for new poets to start up as well as a new audience for more veteran poets. The poetry slam brings together poets of all ages and backgrounds. 16 year olds rap about heartbreak whilst elders toy with mortality, surrounded by Stockrooms warm environment and unique art-space. Feature poets do snappy sets surrounded by a variety of competitors, an enthused M.C and some local musical acts.

The duo are always looking for poets and pre-book to secure a full competitor line up. Interested poets are encouraged to email [email protected] or visit ‘Pipe up Poetry Macedon Ranges’ on facebook. The next poetry slam will be held 16th of August 2013. Applicants are now open.

Benjamin Solah is a writer, poet, spoken word artist, activist and the Director of Melbourne Spoken Word. He grew up in Western Sydney before calling Melbourne home in 2008, where he's performed since 2010 around Melbourne's regular spoken word and poetry nights including Passionate Tongues, The Dan Poets, Voices in the Attic and House of Bricks as well as the NGV and White Night. He's released a chapbook, broken bodies, and two spoken word albums, Duel Power with Santo Cazzati and The World Doesn't Make Sense EP.